Layer and Column Types

A column is also known as a layer. There are several types of layers you can add in the Timeline and Xsheet view. Each layer is indicated by an icon to help you differentiate them. Some layers are represented differently in the Xsheet view.

Drawing Layer

The most common layer type is the drawing layer.

Any time you need to create a vector drawing or import a symbol or image, you can use a drawing layer. You can also create bitmap artwork on a drawing layer.

NOTE Bitmap images are contained in bitmap layers.

Bitmap Layer

If you import a bitmap images (as original bitmap) in your project, they are inserted in a Bitmap layer. If you choose to vectorize your image when you import, the vectorized object will be placed on a Drawing layer.

When importing a bitmap image, you have the option of encapsulating the image in a symbol. If you place a bitmap into a symbol, you will be able to mix vector drawings with it on the same layer.

Camera Layer

You can only have one Camera layer at a time in the Timeline view. By default, there is no Camera layer when you create a scene. You need to add a Camera layer when you want to create a camera motion.

The Camera layer is not visible in the Xsheet view.

NOTE If you want to have several cameras with different settings, you can keep adding Camera layers in your Timeline view (however, only one will ever be visible at a time as you can only have one camera at a time in your timeline). To switch to a different camera, select Scene > Camera and select another camera layer.

Effect Layer

To enhance the look of your scene, you can add effect layers and attach your drawings to them.

When you select the Effect layer in the Timeline view, the effect’s parameter columns are displayed in the Functions section of the Xsheet view.

Colour-Card Layer

The Colour-Card layer is used to add a plain colour background to a scene. By default, your scene has no background colour and if you render it as a QuickTime movie or image sequence, it will have a black background.

This layer is not visible in the Xsheet view.

Group Layer

A Group layer can be used to organize the Timeline view.

You can drag and drop other layers onto a Group layer and then collapse the Group layer to hide these other layers from view.

Peg Layer

A Peg layer is a trajectory or motion path layer that does not contain drawings. It can be attached to any drawing layer, cut-out puppet, or other peg layers; they will all follow the trajectory you set in the Peg layer.

When you select the Peg layer in the Timeline view, the peg’s function columns are displayed in the Functions section of the Xsheet view.

Quadmap Layer

A Quadmap layer can be described as a deformation transformation layer that does not contain drawings. This can be attached to any drawing layer, cut-out puppet, or even other Peg layers. They will all follow the deformation you set in the Quadmap layer.

When you select the Quadmap layer in the Timeline view, the Quadmap’s function columns are displayed in the Functions section of the Xsheet view.

Sound Layer

You can import sound files to add dialog and sound effects to your project. The sound layer will be added to your Timeline and Xsheet view when you import a sound file in your scene.

In the Xsheet view, the Sound layer is a dark grey colour.

Advanced Column Types

In the Xsheet view, you can add several advanced column types to create particular animation paths. When you create these columns, they are not linked automatically to any particular drawing layer. You can create a motion path using these columns and then link or unlink several drawing or peg layers to it.